Category: PM News

The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to reform the solid minerals industry by leveraging digital identity technology to improve oversight, identify mining operators and combat illegal activities across the sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed the plan while hosting the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and members of her management team during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the ministry said both organisations were exploring closer cooperation aimed at integrating digital identity solutions into the mining industry to enhance governance, transparency and security.

Alake described NIMC as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development agenda, noting that modern governance depends heavily on reliable identity systems, technology and quality data.

‘NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology and credible identity systems,’ the minister said.

He explained that the ongoing transformation of the mining sector required strong collaboration with institutions responsible for identity management to improve accountability and strengthen regulatory enforcement.

According to him, establishing a robust identity framework would enable authorities to distinguish licensed operators from illegal miners while improving surveillance of mining activities nationwide.

‘Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations.

‘A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector,’ he said.

Alake also identified digital identity, technology, data collection and statistical analysis as essential tools for evidence-based policymaking, effective licensing processes, stronger regulation and attracting investment into the industry.

He added that dependable data would give government agencies clearer insight into activities within the sector, allowing them to formulate policies that promote sustainable growth.

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to address persistent challenges in the mining industry, including illegal mining, weak regulatory oversight, insecurity and inadequate data on operators. Authorities believe that stronger regulation, supported by reliable digital information, will help unlock the sector’s economic potential while reducing unlawful activities.

Speaking earlier, Coker-Odusote outlined several areas where NIMC could support the ministry’s reform agenda.

She said the recently enacted NIMC Act 2026 had reinforced the country’s legal framework for digital identity management and opened the door for wider adoption of identity solutions across government institutions.

According to her, integrating NIMC’s digital identity infrastructure into the mining sector would facilitate database integration among government agencies, improve compliance with regulations and strengthen security operations.

She also said it would enhance the monitoring of mining operators and provide stronger support for the implementation of Community Development Agreements in mining host communities.

Coker-Odusote noted that dependable digital identity systems would enable government agencies to maintain more accurate records while improving transparency and service delivery.

She added that the new legislation would promote secure identity verification, enhance information sharing among government agencies and improve the delivery of public services to Nigerians and legal residents.

The NIMC chief said the commission’s digital infrastructure could help establish a more reliable identity ecosystem for the mining industry, enabling regulators to verify operators more effectively and strengthen nationwide monitoring.

Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together on technology-driven initiatives designed to improve governance, transparency, accountability and security in the management of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday arrived in Lungi, Sierra Leone to participate in the 69th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government Summit.

On arrival at the Sierra Leone International Airport, Lungi, Shettima was received by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Jalloh, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye.

Also on ground to welcome the VP are the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Amb. Ayo Luther-Ogbomode, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Nigerian Permanent Representative to the ECOWAS, Amb. Olawale Awe, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high-level gathering brought together Heads of State, government officials, diplomats and development partners from across West Africa.

The participants gather to discuss key regional issues, including peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.

Nigeria’s presence at the summits further demonstrates its commitment to regional diplomacy and its determination to strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says it will establish an independent tribunal, comprising retired judges and other impartial officials, to hear broadcast violation cases.

The commission also disclosed that it will appeal the court judgment on its powers to impose financial sanctions on erring broadcast stations.

The Director-General of NBC, Dr Charles Ebuebu, made these known in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Ebuebu clarified that the court did not prohibit the commission from imposing sanctions on erring broadcasters.

‘The court didn’t say NBC cannot sanction. It only said you cannot be a judge and jury in your own case,’ he said.

He explained that the judgment specifically addressed financial sanctions, which the court viewed as akin to criminal penalties imposed without an independent adjudicatory process.

According to him, NBC disagrees with the interpretation, insisting administrative fines differ from criminal fines, hence its decision to challenge the ruling on appeal.

‘There’s a difference between a criminal fine and an administrative fine.

‘That is why we have appealed the court’s decisions,’ Ebuebu said.

He said the commission was designing an independent tribunal within the regulatory framework but separate from NBC to determine broadcast violation cases.

Ebuebu said retired judges and other independent officials would serve on the tribunal to ensure fairness and transparency in adjudicating violations.

He likened the arrangement to the Federal Road Safety Commission’s mobile court system, where traffic offenders appear before an independent tribunal before sanctions are imposed.

‘If you’re caught, you go before a tribunal or a mobile court.

‘You don’t really have to go before a fully-fledged magistrate court,’ he said.

The NBC boss warned that removing sanctioning powers would weaken broadcast regulation, as some operators ignore warning letters until penalties are imposed.

‘We don’t want to go from warning letters to withdrawing a licence. That’s arbitrary.

There must be a process, and we are going back to court to appeal that decisions’ he said.

In May 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the NBC lacked the power to unilaterally impose financial sanctions on broadcast stations without judicial intervention.

The court held that imposing monetary fines without an independent adjudicatory process breached the principles of fair hearing, and consequently nullified fines earlier imposed on affected broadcasters.

The NBC appealed the decisions of the high court in the case institute against the commission by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda.

On April 2, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the NBC’s appeal and affirmed the Federal High Court’s judgment, holding that the commission’s appeal lacked merit.

The appellate court upheld the nullification of the fines imposed on affected broadcasters, reinforcing that the NBC cannot unilaterally impose financial penalties under the existing legal framework.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has emerged as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming one of the leading voices in Nigeria’s legal profession.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002, Badejo-Okusanya obtained her law degree from the University of Lagos before beginning her legal career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial law firms. Over the years, she built a reputation as a skilled legal practitioner with expertise in litigation, dispute resolution and public sector law.

Her rise in the legal profession saw her attain the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on September 29, 2025.

The SAN title is regarded as the highest professional distinction for legal practitioners in Nigeria and is awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated excellence, integrity and significant contributions to the development of the law.

Beyond private legal practice, Badejo-Okusanya has also served in public office. In 2007, she was appointed by former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, as a senior aide on Justice Sector Reform.

In that role, she contributed to initiatives aimed at improving the administration of justice and strengthening legal institutions in Lagos State.

She later served as General Counsel to the Lagos State Governor between 2011 and 2015, providing legal advice on government policies, governance matters and public administration.

Currently, Badejo-Okusanya is a partner at ALP NG and Co. (Africa Law Practice NG and Company), where she serves as Co-Head of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice. Her work spans complex commercial disputes, arbitration and strategic legal advisory services.

She is also widely recognised in the international legal community through her memberships in several prominent organisations, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the African Arbitration Association, Arbitral Women, the International Bar Association (IBA), and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA).

With more than two decades of legal experience across private practice, public service and international arbitration, Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as NBA President marks another significant milestone in a distinguished legal career.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, describing him as a man of exceptional character whose life was defined by humility, integrity, compassion and entrepreneurial excellence.

In an emotional tribute released on Sunday, the monarch said the passing of Prince Adetunji had left an irreplaceable void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

The statement, issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the late prince lived a life of purpose and service that touched countless lives.

Born on December 8, 1967, Prince Adetunji hailed from the illustrious Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings and was widely respected in Nigeria’s business community for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial accomplishments.

The Ooni said beyond his success in business, his late brother was a compassionate philanthropist who quietly supported many people through his generosity, wise counsel and selfless service.

‘Today, the entire royal family mourns not only a brother and son but also a trusted confidant, a dependable pillar of our family and a man whose life reflected honour, dignity and uncommon compassion,’ the monarch said.

He added that Prince Adetunji’s unwavering commitment to family values, enterprise and humanity would continue to inspire generations.

According to the Ooni, the late prince’s legacy extended far beyond the corporate world, as he consistently upheld the values and traditions of the Ojaja Royal Family through his humility, integrity and dedication to the progress of society.

The revered monarch prayed for the peaceful repose of his brother’s soul and asked God to grant strength and comfort to his immediate family, friends, business associates and everyone affected by the loss.

He also urged the people of Ile-Ife and well-wishers to take solace in the impactful life Prince Adetunji lived, noting that his legacy of excellence, kindness and service would endure.

‘Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his footprints on the sands of time can never be erased. We are comforted by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life dedicated to God, family, enterprise and humanity. May the Almighty grant us the strength to bear this painful loss,’ the Ooni said.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the final forfeiture of the sum of ?941,994,079.86 million linked to suspected ghost workers uncovered by the Commission’s investigations into Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja gave the ruling in an ex-parte application moved by the ICPC (on behalf of the federal government) praying for the fund, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The ICPC, following the hint of the court had published the names of 910 individuals suspected to have benefited from the purported fraud in two National Dailies (Daily Trust and The Nation Newspapers) on March 18, 2026.

Investigations by the ICPC had revealed a large-scale payroll fraud involving hundreds of non-existent public servants, with a total sum of N941,994,079.86 traced to accounts linked to the scheme.

The discovery follows a systems study conducted by the Commission in 2023, which revealed the existence of numerous ‘ghost workers’ embedded within the payrolls of several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Acting on the findings, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved a comprehensive audit of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The approval was granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Subsequently, in April 2024, the ICPC initiated a joint investigation with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAF), which uncovered 587 suspected ghost workers on the IPPIS platform.

Investigations revealed that fictitious IPPIS identities had been created for non-existent personnel across multiple MDAs, with salaries paid over extended periods into accounts belonging to individuals and companies. In many cases, the account names did not correspond with those of the purported employees, while some accounts received multiple salary payments simultaneously.

Between August and November 2024, the Commission took enforcement action by placing Post No Debit (PND) restrictions on all identified accounts, effectively freezing funds suspected to be proceeds of fraud.

The affected MDAs include the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministries of Defence, Education, Agriculture and Rural Development, Works, Water Resources, and Interior, as well as institutions such as the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Benin, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and even the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

A verification exercise conducted in 2025 cleared 120 civil servants, whose identities and employment status were confirmed and subsequently reinstated on the IPPIS platform.

However, investigations showed that 467 bank accounts remain linked to unverified individuals, with account holders yet to be identified. The total sum of N941.9 million currently frozen in these accounts formed the subject of legal action.

According to the ICPC Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Hamza Sani esq, detailed records of the affected accounts, including IPPIS numbers, names of the purported workers, and banking details of beneficiaries, were compiled as part of the evidence before the court.

Justice Nyako, in a recent ruling effectively ordered the transfers of ownership of the recovered funds to the Federal Government.

‘That an Order is hereby made for the Final Forfeiture to the Federal Republic of Nigeria the Sum of ?941,994,079.86 seized during investigation into the IPPIS Payroll scam in the year 2024,’

The ICPC remains committed to combating corruption and promoting transparency and good governance through the rule of law within the Nigerian space.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The revered monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

By Tolulope Oke

Former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro has ruled out another attempt to govern Lagos, but insists he defeated Babatunde Fashola in the 2007 governorship election.

Obanikoro said his governorship ambition was now ‘completely off the table’ during an appearance on Mic On Podcast, hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye.

The 66-year-old politician said he now wanted to concentrate on mentoring young Nigerians rather than pursuing another political ambition.

‘It is completely off the table,’ Obanikoro said.

‘I’m 66. At this age, we want to reflect more and do things that will properly help the coming generation.’

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s weakening family structure and value system, arguing that experienced political leaders should dedicate more time to preparing younger Nigerians for leadership.

‘There is a need for people to mentor the coming generation. The family structure has more or less collapsed,’ he said.

‘Our value system is in reverse gear. When you review all of that, the best people like us can do is mentor more.

‘Let the coming generation be calm and patient. Whether we like it or not, they stand to inherit Nigeria.’

Obanikoro contested the 2007 Lagos governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party after defecting from the Alliance for Democracy.

He lost officially to Fashola, who contested under the Action Congress and was backed by the political structure of then-Lagos governor Bola Tinubu.

Asked about claims by his supporters that he won the election, Obanikoro said he shared that belief.

‘I also believe that we won that election, but you know Nigeria-it is what it is,’ he said.

The former Lagos Central senator also maintained that he had no regrets about challenging Tinubu’s political structure despite previously serving as a commissioner under his administration.

‘All I wanted to do was to achieve what I set my mind on,’ Obanikoro said.

‘I was not even thinking about whether I was fighting against my own family-the Bola Tinubu political structure.

‘I just felt I wanted to be governor because, at that time, I was full of so many things in my mind.’

The teacher declared wanted in connection with the alleged fatal flogging of a 12-year-old pupil in Anambra State has surrendered to the police, bringing a major development in the ongoing investigation into the incident.

The Anambra State Police Command said Mrs Dim Ebere, 47, presented herself at the Neni Police Station in Anaocha Local Government Area after officers intensified efforts to track her down.

The command had launched a search for the teacher following allegations that the pupil died after suffering injuries from a flogging at a school in Adazi-Enu.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Saturday that the breakthrough followed sustained operations by the Safe School Protection Squad working with personnel from the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, alongside continued consultations with community leaders and other stakeholders in Adazi-Ani.

He said the suspect is being held by the police and will be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, where detectives will complete their investigation.

The statement read, ‘Following sustained manhunt operations by the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers of the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, and continuous engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Adazi-Ani, the principal suspect, Mrs Dim Ebere, aged 47, has voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station.

‘The suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, where the ongoing investigation will be concluded.

‘To this end, the Command commends the cooperation of the Adazi-Ani community, the traditional institution and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the suspect’s surrender.

‘The family of the deceased and members of the public are hereby assured that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served.

‘The Command further urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations and other policing efforts across the state.’

A four-week-old baby allegedly stolen through deception has been rescued by the Niger State Police Command following the arrest of a man posing as a clergyman and a woman said to have masterminded the plot.

The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna, saying the two suspects are being investigated for criminal conspiracy and child abduction.

According to him, the case was reported to the ‘A’ Division in Minna on July 14 after a nursing mother informed police that her infant had been taken near the Mobil Roundabout.

Abiodun said detectives immediately launched an investigation, using intelligence gathering and technical support to trace and apprehend one of the suspects.

‘Upon receipt of the report, police detectives from the division immediately commenced investigation and deployed technical intelligence, which led to the arrest of Chidi Johnson, aka ‘Yaron Pastor’, 24, of Abdulsalam Quarters.

‘During investigation, he confessed that Zainab Ibrahim, 22, of Alagbado Area, Minna, but residing in Sokoto State, had contracted him to procure a newborn baby following her reported miscarriage,’ he narrated.

Police said the suspect revealed that the plan began a day before the incident when he allegedly persuaded the nursing mother to accompany him with her baby to the Kasuwan-Gwari area, claiming a benefactor wanted to distribute food and other relief items.

Abiodun explained that after the woman and a friend arrived, they were instructed by Ibrahim to contact Johnson, who escorted them to an uncompleted building close to the Mobil Roundabout.

‘Johnson said it was on the pretext that the child would be given food items and alms by a benefactor.

‘On arrival, the victim and her friend were instructed by Ibrahim to contact Johnson, who subsequently met them and led the victim into an uncompleted building near Mobil Roundabout.

‘Upon arrival at the uncompleted building, Johnson offered snacks and soft drinks to gain their confidence while pretending to play with the baby.

‘Unfortunately, in the process of playing with the baby, the suspect fled with the baby through a rear exit of the building on a motorcycle to an unknown destination,’ he said.

The police spokesperson added that officers later arrested Ibrahim, rescued the infant unharmed and reunited the child with the mother.

‘Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody undergoing investigation after which they will be charged to court for prosecution,’ he stated.